EPA Takes Its Own Step Toward Regulating Greenhouse Gases

Stephen Powerreports from Washington on the latest twist in climate policy-making.

Congress might be a long ways from passing legislation to fight climate change, but the Obama administration appears one step closer to creating its own regime for controlling greenhouse gases.

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency announced it has sent the White House Office of Management and Budget its proposed finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and welfare. Adoption of the so-called endangerment finding is the legal precursor to regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

The agency proposed its declaration in April, provoking a furious response from business groups – such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – that have questioned the scientific and legal basis.